TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE ARBOREAL SPRINGTAIL EPIMETRURA CF. MIRABILIS (FROM BUKIT TIMAH HILL)

Abstract

Epimetrura is an oriental entomobryid genua which has rarely been recorded and whose taxonomic position need. revision. one species occurs on BuKit Timah Hill Which is p~'ovisionally assigned to E. mirabilis. This species is described in full; the genus is considered to be valid and is related to Willowsia. Existing description "are not adequate to determine whether more than one valid species exists in the genus. Cons~ant and distinctive characters existcin chaetotaxy of body, labium and ventral tube which should allow this question to be settled when species from other localities become available. E. cf. mirabilia is exclusively arboreal. Information on vertical and seasonal distribution and distribution relative ~o foliage characteristics is given for this and other common foliage inhabiting Collembola. Epimetrur! cf. mirab~lis and Salina celebensis are most abundant above six feet, whereas one species of Salina is more common at two feet. Other species a re too infrequent for valid conclusion. A maximum density was recorded in May for all species, but no climatic features can be convincingly correlated with this.